Background/Objectives

Previous research shows that the stronger the sense of coherence (SOC) the healthier behaviour. A strong SOC seems to be related to lower consumption of drugs and smoking, more frequent physical exercises and healthier food choices. Further it is established by previous research that there is a difference in health behaviour between socioeconomic groups. Individuals with lower socioeconomic status (SES) smoke to greater extent, have more sedentary lifestyle and make unhealthier food choices than individual with higher SES. The evidence regarding the interactive relations of SOC and SES to health behaviour or the potential mediating role of SOC in the relationship between SES and health behaviour is more unclear. In order to explore this, there is a need of systematic reviews of the evidence concerning SOC and health behaviour and interactions with SES.

Thus, the objective of this study is to explore and synthesize empirical findings on the relationship between SOC and health behaviour among adults. Further the aim is to explore to what extent interactions with SES is considered in the studies of SOC and health behaviour.

 Methods

The study is descriptive and analytical with a systematic integration of the contemporary knowledge base on the salutogenic research focusing on the relationship between sense of coherence and health behaviour among adults and interrelations with socioeconomic status. The review covers scientific publications as well as doctoral theses published 2008–2018. The review is systematic in the sense that all the included papers will be critically examined and analyzed according to (1) the study objective, (2) the study designs and methods for analysis and, (3) the applicability and practical use of the results.

 Results

Expected outcomes of this study will be established state of the art regarding the relationship between sense of coherence and health behavior and interrelations with socioeconomic status. Further the results will identify knowledge gaps important to address in future research.

Discussion

The potential contribution of the synthesized knowledge to achieve a sustainable and equal development of health will be discussed as well as to what extent health inequalities can be explained or understood by SOC.